Conservation Guardians of Northwest Illinois

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Field Trips

Natural Observation

Thursday Walk with the Guardians

The Guardians encourage everyone — individuals, parents, children, and grandchildren — to experience first hand our rich and beautiful surroundings. The Guardians organize nature walks with leaders who are experts at natural interpretation. We are very fortunate to have them with us! See our calendar for the schedule.

You'll not want to miss Thursday Birding & Wildflower Walks. Each spring and fall that's when a group of Guardians meet to observe bird migration, wildflowers, and other aspects of nature.

We often end the morning by having lunch together, if schedules permits.  Level of expertise is not important; we like to share.

Most people are kept informed of meeting places and destinations by e-mail. If you would like your name added to the list, contact Barb Rutherford.

Fall Birding Report, 2008

By the time you receive this issue of the Messenger, our birding will be over for the fall season. The group ranged in size from five to fifteen. Temperatures varied from the 50's to the 70's. Weather from rain, to wind, cloudy to sunny. The birds did not disappoint us, and were there no matter what.

Friendships were renewed, with family news shared. Restaurants were rated, and records brought up to date. "Barb's Birds," supplied by Karl Haviland, contains all this information. A set of radios keeps us connected between cars.

Our first week of the season we sat at Mud Lake in the pouring rain as we observed a marked Osprey tearing into a fish while sitting atop a pole. He and his cohorts left the next day.

October 30th:  Charlie spotted.a loggerhead shrike at Spring Lake. And when we arrived at Thomson Causway and were observing a cormorant atop a muskrat lodge, nearby was a white-faced ibis. With good light, it was a treat to the eye.

Many of us will take a break until March, when the ice goes out on the Mississippi, but Charlie and Gretel will no doubt be out birding most days. They are amazing. No wonder they have “eagle eyes.” We thank you both for your leadership and dedication.

— Barbara Rutherford